# Musculocutaneous Nerve Compression by a Humeral Osteophyte: An Unusual and Difficult-to-Diagnose Cause of Peripheral Neuropathy

## TL;DR

A rare case of musculocutaneous nerve compression caused by a bony growth on the humerus is presented, highlighting the importance of imaging and surgery for diagnosis and recovery.

## Contribution

This case report presents a rare instance of musculocutaneous nerve dysfunction caused by a humeral osteophyte.

## Key findings

- A 58-year-old man exhibited motor and sensory deficits due to musculocutaneous nerve compression by a humeral osteophyte.
- Surgical excision of the osteophyte led to a favorable postoperative outcome.
- Imaging and electrophysiological testing are critical for diagnosing atypical peripheral neuropathies.

## Abstract

Isolated neuropathy of the musculocutaneous nerve is an uncommon condition, and compression by a bony outgrowth represents an exceptionally rare cause. We describe the case of a 58-year-old man who presented with motor and sensory deficits consistent with musculocutaneous nerve dysfunction. Cross-sectional imaging and nerve conduction studies revealed a proximal humeral osteophyte responsible for nerve compression. The patient underwent surgical excision of the osteophyte, which resulted in a favorable postoperative outcome. This case highlights the rarity of osteophyte-related nerve compression and underscores the importance of considering an osseous etiology in the differential diagnosis of atypical peripheral neuropathies. Imaging modalities such as CT and MRI, in combination with electrophysiological testing, play a central role in lesion identification. Surgical management offers the potential for meaningful functional recovery.